Sarsfields Limp out of SFC

The cliché ‘goals win games’ certainly proved correct in
this championship replay, as did the saying ‘that you can’t do anything without
the ball’. Sarsfields got off to the better start making use of their limited
possession to lead by four points after the first quarter. Sarsfields led by
three points in the final minute of the half, but two late points pulled it
back to a single point for Cruppen. At the break it was looking ominous for the
Highmoss given that Cruppen were dominating midfield and they had the lion’s
share of the possession. Had it not been for seven wides and a super Darren
McAvoy save Cruppen would have been well ahead. That said Sarsfields had goal
opportunities themselves.

In the second half a couple of early points had Sarsfields
in a two point lead, but in the space of one minute the game was turned on its
head when Cruppen with two long balls, took full advantage of the new square
ball rule and hit two goals. It had been apparent much earlier that Cruppen
would use the long ball tactic, but it was difficult to defend. Failure to gain
primary possession and not being more direct when they had the ball were the
main reasons why Sarsfields were on the back foot. Gaining confidence Cruppen
punished the under pressure Highmoss defence with two more goals and starved of
possession the Highmoss forward line could only manage a further three points.